Peshawar, December 08,2024: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Umar Ayub, has announced the formation of a high-powered committee to engage in negotiations with the government while warning of potential civil disobedience if justice is not served regarding the events of November 24.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Peshawar alongside party leaders Asad Qaiser, Shibli Faraz, Waqas Sheikh, and others, Ayub heavily criticized the government, labelling it as fascist and accusing it of suppressing dissent.
Ayub revealed details of a December 5 meeting with the PTI founder, alleging that he was unjustly arrested from Adiala Jail and harassed by Punjab’s Inspector General. He plans to file a contempt petition against the IG in the Peshawar High Court.
Ayub condemned the government’s handling of peaceful protests, highlighting the loss of 12 PTI workers, injuries to thousands, and over 200 missing individuals. He further accused the government of using state resources, including U.S.-made weapons, against unarmed citizens during the November protests, calling it state terrorism.
The Leader of the Opposition announced a prayer event for martyrs on December 13, followed by prayers by PTI members abroad on December 15. He emphasized that the government must release detained PTI workers and conduct a transparent investigation into the November 24 shootings, failing which civil disobedience would be initiated.
Shibli Faraz urged dialogue to resolve the political crisis and expressed concerns over growing uncertainty and instability in the country. Highlighting challenges in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he warned against alienating the youth and stressed the need for law and order.
Asad Qaiser reiterated PTI’s commitment to its constitutional rights and peaceful protests. He criticized the government for portraying PTI members as terrorists and called for lawful negotiations to address grievances.
The high-powered negotiation committee will include Asad Qaiser, Ali Amin Gandapur, Hamid Raza, and Umar Ayub. Ayub invited anyone willing to negotiate in good faith to engage with the committee, emphasizing the need to uphold justice and accountability.
